Demarai Gray proclaims stunning strike “best moment so far” as Everton get back to winning ways

Rafa Benitez’s side fought back from a goal down to beat Arsenal 2-1 at Goodison Park on Monday night.
Dominic Raynor
By Dominic Raynor
Published 6th Dec 2021, 23:06 BST
Updated 7th Dec 2021, 07:29 BST
Demarai Gray of Everton celebrates with teammates Anthony Gordon and Abdoulaye Doucoure. Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty ImagesDemarai Gray of Everton celebrates with teammates Anthony Gordon and Abdoulaye Doucoure. Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Demarai Gray of Everton celebrates with teammates Anthony Gordon and Abdoulaye Doucoure. Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images

Demarai Gray’s dramatic stoppage-time strike earned Everton a first win in nine Premier League matches as they beat Arsenal 2-1 with a spirited fightback in front of their fans.

The visitors took the lead through Martin Odegaard’s volley at the end of the first half, moments after the impressive Richarlison had a goal disallowed for offside following a VAR check.

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Richarlison had another strike ruled out by VAR just before the hour mark, but it was third time lucky on 79 minutes when he drew the Toffees level with a header when Gray’s shot came back off the bar.

Gray then secured Everton’s first victory since November with a long-range rocket that went in off the post in the second minute of additional time.

Demarai Gray on ‘crazy moment’

Speaking after the match, winger Gray, who has scored five goals since his summer transfer from Bayer 04 Leverkusen, said: "It was a crazy moment. My best moment here so far.”

Gray has been one of the star performers during a difficult period for Everton, which culminated with Marcel Brands leaving his role as the club’s director of football on Sunday night.

Demarai Gray (R) of Everton celebrates with Mason Holgate and teammates after scoring their side’s second goal. Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty ImagesDemarai Gray (R) of Everton celebrates with Mason Holgate and teammates after scoring their side’s second goal. Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Demarai Gray (R) of Everton celebrates with Mason Holgate and teammates after scoring their side’s second goal. Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images
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“It was important for us to get that win,” Gray told Sky Sports.

“As a group we have gone through this bad patch but we have stuck together. With the fans like that, behind us for the whole game, it’s more than deserved.

"My confidence is high at the moment. I believe in myself and my ability. I’m working hard and improving and I want to be the best player I can be. We’ve had a rough patch and today I’m just happy we got the three points."

Everton’s tough time at an end?

The game ended with the crowd in delirium, having earlier seen some Everton fans leaving their seats on 27 minutes in a protest over the running of the club.

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While Brands left Everton at the weekend, owner Farhad Moshiri said manager Rafael Benitez would continue to receive "full support" from himself and the board in the aftermath of last Wednesday’s humiliating 4-1 derby loss to Liverpool.

Monday night’s much-needed victory over Arsenal moves Everton up from 16th to 12th in the Premier League table.

Next up for the Toffees is a trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday, 12 December (16:30).

Related topics:Rafa BenitezArsenalPremier LeagueVAR

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